Popular opinion and action movie plots notwithstanding, the truth is that karate classes are not a particularly risky environment. In fact, some research demonstrates that participating in karate lessons can actually reduce risk-taking behavior in the most risk-seeking demographics. It may seem ironic, but traditional martial arts training only attracts risk-takers. It doesn't reinforce risk taking.
Karate Class and Risk
A typical karate class may seem dangerous from the outside. Students are punching and kicking each other, taking flying leaps and trying to punch their way through boards or even concrete blocks. However, a qualified karate teacher knows how to train students in the proper order. They learn to block before learning to punch, learn to fall safely before learning to throw. According to research reported by insurance adjuster Matt Pfleuger, participants in a karate class are statistically less likely to get hurt than participants in a golf tournament or road race.
Karate And Behavior
In 1980, black belt and psychologist Michael Trulson conducted a study teaching martial arts to at-risk urban youth. The study found that three training sessions per week in traditional martial arts reduced many undesirable behaviors, including risk-seeking. The results of Chuck Norris' Kick Start Foundation have reported similar findings. Traditional karate training actually reduces the desire to seek danger. It should be noted, however, that Trulson's study found that learning karate techniques in the absence of traditional ethical training actually increased risk-seeking and other undesirable behaviors.
Karate Safety
To an untrained individual, a karate class can in fact be a dangerous place. The secret to avoiding risk in a karate class, reports teacher Dave Coffman, is learning safety skills. Safety begins with the self: learning control and situational awareness. Karate classes also teach their students a set of rules that govern how practices can be kept safe. As students progress, they also learn proper execution, use of safety equipment and mental exercises developed to avoid injuries as much as possible.
"Brown Belt Effect"
Coffman does report one circumstance in which karate classes can actually increase risk-taking. According to Coffman, advanced intermediate students often have "skills, but no sense." An exaggerated confidence combined with a lack of experience can create a student who is almost eager to test his skills in the real world. Because this behavior is most common in students approaching readiness for a black belt, Coffman refers to this stage as the "brown belt effect," which he says is most common in young men between the ages of 16 and 30.
References
- Dave Coffman; martial arts instructor; Hillsboro, Oregon
- "Zen in the Martial Arts;" Joel Hyams; 1982
- "Longitudinal Study of Martial Arts Training on Delinquent Youth"; Michael Trulson; 1980
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